Gender and Climate Change Adaptation in Livestock Production in Tunisia

Abstract

Women's contribution to rangeland management in Tunisia and climate change implications on their livelihoods in rangeland areas are a policy blind spot. Current perceptions in rangeland policy circles is based on a widely held stereotype that women are seldom involved in livestock grazing despite women's growing contributions due to male-outmigration and increased availability of off-farm income for men. We studied two areas of Southern and Central Tunisia to address this gap and inform the current reforms in the pastoral code. We examined roles, needs and impacts of climate change for diverse types of women and men involved in groups or projects, of different social status, and entrepreneurship levels. We used focus groups and interviews (total of 220 respondents) for in-depth analysis of men’s and women’s involvement in rangeland management. Both men and women are negatively affected by rangeland degradation and lack of water. Women are additionally disadvantaged by drought-mitigation strategies related to rangeland degradation which only target men. Our findings reveal that women are more involved in rangeland grazing than is generally believed in practitioner and policy circles, and in different ways than men. Women practice grazing closer to homes and do not stay overnight in distant locations. Accepting this participation in rangelands use is a necessary first step to enable women to benefit and participate in rangeland-related decisions and projects. Women’s involvement and opinions are important to be considered for the sustainable and equitable use of rangelands and reaping benefits from related interventions.